Barangay captain, 70, killed in motorcycle crash

CEBU, Philippines — A 70-year-old village chief died in a vehicular accident in Barangay Guibuangan, Barili town at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

Heraclea Lastimosa, barangay captain of Balao, Barili, was riding a motorcycle driven by Balao barangay tanod Rolando Rebuyas when a Mazda pickup hit them.

With Lastimosa on the motorcycle were Janelle Rebuyas, 10, and Jerone Rebuyas, 4.

Investigation conducted by Barili police revealed that the motorcycle was heading to Dumanjug, the next town of Barili while the pickup driven by Jose Rico Broce, 42, a resident of Banhigan, Badian town, was traveling on the opposite lane. Broce was from Badian and was on his way to Barangay Tubod, Barili.

Broce allegedly overtook a vehicle and encroached on the opposite lane, hitting the motorcycle that Rolando was driving.

Lastimosa, Rolando and the two minors were brought to Barili District Hospital by the Barili rescue team but Lastimosa died while she was treated at the emergency room.

Aside from the motorcycle, Broce also hit a 10- wheeler truck, driven by Monico Basister, 39, a resident of Canduman, Mandaue City.

Broce was also brought to the hospital for minor injuries and was later on brought to the police station. (FREEMAN)